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Seven Easy Steps To Sun Protection

What's one of the greatest gifts you can give your child, season after season? Smart, serious sun protection! It's literally a gift that lasts a lifetime.

The more we learn about sun exposure, the more dangerous we learn it to be. For example, did you know?

Just one or two blistering childhood sunburns can increase the risk of skin cancer in adulthood.
Kids absorb a whopping 80% of lifetime ultra-violet (UV) exposure before the age of 18.
Children's eyes are particularly sensitive to the dangers of UV rays, which can actually cause cataracts and macular degeneration.

The good news is, practicing good sun safety is easier than ever. And the earlier you start, the better off your child will be. Here's our quick, head-to-toe safety tips:

Kids' skin is extra sensitive, so it's important to use sunblock that's specifically formulated for children. Look for hypoallergenic, PABA-free lotion with SPF 45 or higher, like our kid-friendly, easy-on sunscreens like our Baby Blanket Sunscreen Collection, Kids Sunscreen Collection, or Blue Lizard® Australian Sunscreen. Be sure to reapply frequently (in tests, parents were found to use half the recommended amounts of sunscreen). Use a reminder like our sensor stickers to stay on track.
Did you know ordinary tee shirts let in up to 50% of dangerous UV rays? That's why we recommend playwear made from UV-protective fabrics, including our best-selling Sun Smarties® collection. Once you learn about the benefits of UPF fabrics you'll never want to dress your child in anything else.
Protect those little peepers! When it comes to sunglasses, cute is not enough. For under $15, you can safeguard your child's eyes with our high-performance sunshades. They block 100% of UV rays, and they're really cute to boot.
Don't forget baby's ears, head, and that sensitive back-of-the-neck. The easy solution: cool, comfortable sun hats. Look for generous brims (to shade the face) and sporty flaps (to protect the ears and neck).
Another easy-to-miss spot: the tops of those tiny feet. Swim shoes and sandals can shield tender skin from UV rays even in water, while protecting delicate soles from hot sand and rough surfaces. Try our Stay-Put Adjustable Swim Shoes, Amphibious Kids Beach Shoes, 2-in-1 Land and Sea Sandals, or Sun Smarties® Surf Socks.
On the beach, kids with extra-fair or sensitive skin need wrist-to-ankle protection. You can still make it comfy and fun, with our surfer-style zips suits and rash guards.
No shade to be found? That's dangerous! Take along your own instant shady refuge, in the form of a beach umbrella or pop-up cabana. You'll use it over and over again.

Remember this: research shows that four out of five cases of skin cancer could be prevented, simply by practicing sound sun protection. Start building healthy sun habits now, and it will become second nature as your child grows. Someday your child will thank you for it!